book details

Book: History of Christmases Past by Suzi Love

categories: Book, Celebrations, Holidays, Religion, Jesus Christ, Images, Customs, Traditions, Christmas Food, Christmas Drinks, St Nicholas, Christmas Cards, Christmas

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Suzi Love

about this book: History of Christmases Past is a large collection of historical information about the traditions of Christmas through the centuries, including the religious aspects, decorations, games, food and plays.

There are many pages of images, either religious or village based, that show how people of all social classes celebrated Christmas in various countries around the world, especially in the European countries where the traditions of St Nicholas visiting and children leaving out stockings developed.

Also included is a lot about the food and drinks served on Christmas Day and the days leading up to and following the main day in England, both in royal households and in the homes of ordinary villagers. The mummers, players, and actors are described, along with how and why they celebrated the holidays.

My favorite part is how the tradition of sending Christmas cards started in England and how the tradition flourished as postal services became faster and cheaper. Many visual examples of postcards celebrating the holidays are included. Gathering Yule logs, decorating Christmas trees, lighting candles, and singing hymns are also included with historic images to demonstrate how these customs changed through history and how different countries and societies continued their own unique customs.